Top Free Dispersed Camping in Connecticut

Camping in Connecticut offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or rolling in with an RV, there's something for everyone in this charming state.

What to do

• Explore State Parks: Connecticut is home to several state parks with hiking trails and scenic views. For example, at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground, you can hike to Chapman Falls and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. One camper mentioned, “It was great to hike and see the waterfall.”
• Visit Amusement Parks: If you're near Lake Compounce Campground, you can enjoy the rides at Lake Compounce Amusement Park. A reviewer noted, “It is part of the Lake Compounce Amusement Park.”
• Fishing and Swimming: Many campgrounds, like Black Rock State Park Campground, offer fishing and swimming opportunities. One visitor said, “Fishing, lake swimming, hiking trails.”

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms and showers. A review from Riverdale Farm Campsites stated, “The facilities are in good shape, friendly staff.”
• Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have staff that go above and beyond. At Waters Edge Family Campground, a camper shared, “The kids who work here are so friendly.”
• Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to spread out. A review for Wolf's Den Family Campground mentioned, “Spacious lots very clean and organized facility.”

What you should know

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Gentiles Campground, may not have all the amenities you expect. A camper noted, “I wasn’t crazy how close we were with the other campers.”
• Seasonal Crowds: Popular spots can get busy on weekends. One visitor at Salem Farms Campground mentioned, “We were told by a seasonal that it's a whole different story on the weekend.”
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Lake Compounce Campground shared, “I also hear coyotes. Won’t be surprised if I see a bear in the morning.”

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Wolf's Den Family Campground offers mini-golf and playgrounds. A parent said, “Family oriented park. Bingo, board games, and other activities available.”
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on your kids, especially near water. A reviewer at Riverdale Farm Campsites mentioned, “The lake is perfect, the river needs work.”
• Plan Group Activities: Organize games or campfire stories to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Salem Farms Campground noted, “We felt safe allowing the kids to go ride bikes and go mini golfing.”

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Gentiles Campground said, “Roads were narrow and steep and hard to maneuver bigger trailers.”
• Look for Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric and water hookups, but not all. A reviewer at Black Rock State Park Campground mentioned, “No water or electric hookup but I have solar and a generator.”
• Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in the summer. A camper at Devil's Hopyard State Park Campground warned, “Bring lots of bug spray or be eaten alive!”

Connecticut camping has its quirks, but with the right preparation, you can have a fantastic time exploring the great outdoors!